Provinces must adopt New Ireland initiatives

 THE national government’s policy shift to focus on rural development means sufficient funds will be distributed to sub-national governments. 

Hence, the challenge now is on elected leaders to deliver basic services that are lifelines of the people.

I have been observing the development initiatives taken by the leaders of New Ireland and East New Britain.

These initiatives and programmes are something all other provinces should adopt.

I would like to highlight New Ireland’s development initiatives and performances that have been taking place under the visionary leadership of Governor Julius Chan and the province’s MPs.  

Governor Chan’s visionary leadership was amply displayed in the 2007 Malagan Declaration.

The declaration spells out New Ireland’s ambitious development goals and policies.

Some of these programmes have been carried out successfully.

First, the governor introduced a policy to improve hygiene in the rural areas by proviing water and sanitation for all villages.

It was an initiative that would form an integral part of the model village programme. 

Secondly, free and subsidised education for NI students.

The provincial government has been providing free education to grade 10 and 75% subsidies there after.

Four years later, he provided free education for grade 12 and K2,500 subsidy for New Ireland students in tertiary institutions locally and abroad. He allocated K100,000 each for post-graduate students. 

This is an ongoing policy of the provincial government. 

The  provincial government is also taking care of the elderly and disabled New Irelanders by giving them K365 annually.

Such a programme is an indication of true leadership. 

There is also a programme called ‘’Roof Over Heads’’.  Any family that buys roofing iron will receive 10 free roofing sheets from the provincial government.

“Sweat Equity Grant’’ is a programme to ensure that  any New Ireland who intends to engage in agricultural activities receives K2,500 as a startup grant.

These developments reflect the visionary leadership by Governor Chan and the provincial government.

This is why Sir Julius made the 2007 Malagan declaration 

I urge all New Irelanders to work t with their visionary leaders to secure  autonomous status.   

Mola Taluari  

Port Moresby